Hilton HHonors - All About Hilton Garden Inns — The Definitve Thread

Ahoy all,

I have a few extended stays coming up in the San Diego area and found the Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) in nearby Rancho Bernardo to have a pretty good rate, so I booked there. I've never stayed at an HGI before, but they appear to have a pretty nice set of standard features. Can anyone in this forum share some experience or insight on the HGI brand in general or this property in particular (although, I think this one is fairly new). What should I expect in terms of room size/quality and service? How do they compare to Hilton's other brands? How consistant are they as a brand from one property to the next? As a HH Gold, can/should I expect a room upgrade or other perks? How much nicer is an upgraded room compared to a standard room (worth the effort)?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

I can't comment on that particular property. However, I can say that HGI's are very clean and neat. I stay at the HGI LAX frequently.

The standard rooms are usually well spaced. You shouldn't feel closed in.

Some HGI's have suites, but don't expect the two bedroom/two bath type suites. However, they're still better than the standard rooms. The suites usually consist of a separate sitting area, bedroom, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. As a Gold myself(soon to be Diamond) I've been upgraded to these rooms quite often.

You'll have free high-speed internet access, unlike some Hiltons. You'll also be given free breakfast coupons as a Gold. Also every HGI I've seen has free parking.

I have stayed at that propertyin Rancho Bernardo Several times since it opened.

IT IS BRAND NEW AND VERY NICE, They even have a bar if youd like to have a beer or a glass of wine.

I found it to be a TOP KNOTCH Property............You'll enjoy it

I'll second that. It is a very nice property. As good as several more upscale Hilton properties. About the only thing not so nice is that it sits right next to a shopping center.

I've never stayed at an HGI before, but they appear to have a pretty nice set of standard features. Can anyone in this forum share some experience or insight on the HGI brand in general or this property in particular (although, I think this one is fairly new). What should I expect in terms of room size/quality and service? How do they compare to Hilton's other brands? How consistant are they as a brand from one property to the next? As a HH Gold, can/should I expect a room upgrade or other perks? How much nicer is an upgraded room compared to a standard room (worth the effort)?I find that the Hilton Garden Inn brand is perhaps the most consistent of the entire family of Hilton properties.

This is because most of the properties are fairly new and built as Hilton Garden Inns and not converted to fit the current specifications and standards, as many Hampton Inns have been forced to do recently. Also, due to the renovations of the Hampton Inn properties and the increase in room rates as a result, I find that Hilton Garden Inn room rates are not all that much more expensive than Hampton Inn room rates. In fact, they are sometimes less expensive!

I know exactly what to expect whenever I book a Hilton Garden Inn: free parking, cookies at the front desk, a business center available for use at no extra charge, a nice well-lit lobby with an abundance of windows and a fireplace, a clean room with a microwave oven, a refrigerator, and a fairly comfortable bed. One Hilton Garden Inn property in Dallas even offered transportation within a 5-mile radius at no additional cost!

As a Hilton HHonors Diamond member, I usually receive a coupon good for two bottles of water and a coupon good for a free continental breakfast. Sometimes the staff will allow me to access the full breakfast for no additional cost. Most of the time I also receive a coupon good for US$5.00 off in the Pantry, and I can usually stock up fairly well on that US$5.00 coupon. I rarely am given an upgraded room, but the only difference is that usually the upgraded room is simply larger (perhaps with an extra piece of furniture such as a couch), so it does not matter to me if I do not receive that benefit.

One basically cannot go wrong booking a room at virtually any Hilton Garden Inn. I highly recommend that particular Hilton brand.

Canarsie - Well said. I agree 100%. Let me throw in my my strong endorsement for HGI. Consitency, free internet access, a win-win. Most recently, very nice stays and service at HGI's in Fort Myers and Knoxville. :cool: ^

My experience with HGIs has been likewise positive. They tend to be newer hotels (at least the ones I've stayed in), the staff are generally friendly and the extras for VIPS are nice. I hope you enjoy your stay!

[QUOTE=ejs20519]They tend to be newer hotels (at least the ones I've stayed in), the staff are generally friendly and the extras for VIPS are nice.

Agree with all the comments posted here about the quality of HGI's, and you nailed it about the staff being friendly.

Add another vote in favor of HGI. Typically, more than half my HHonors nights a year are in HGIs. As gold, I don't ever recall getting an upgrade, but I never bother asking either. The standard rooms are plenty big for me, there is a microwave and mini fridge in every room, and I have always had a work table/desk.

Most locations give full bfast coupons, although one or two locations only gave continental, with a $2.00 upgrade to full. Most also give a coupon for 2 bottles of water, and often, a $5.00 pantry credit. Sometimes the pantry credit has said "not valid on alcoholic beverages", but that hasn't been enforced. Usually I get a couple of beers, which works out to around $7.00, and only a couple of times have they asked for the difference.

Interesting point using the coupon for alcohol. I'll ask next time; who knows. Looking forward to staying at the new HGI in Oxnard, California in August.

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone. Really looking forward to my stays now. I guess I was originally slightly concerned when I read another poster in this forum suggest in a different discussion that he was trying to stay away from HGI during a vacation stay and wasn't sure why.

I've never been given the full b'fast as a gold, at about 8-10 properties in the past year.

Hampton's continental b'fast is more varied.

Other than that, HGI is clearly a level above.

I can't think of a single Hilton hotel (except HHV) that I'd rather stay at than any HGI. Mind you, my travels mainly keep me stateside, fwiw.

What I like most about HGI's is that they usually have decent room service -- a rarity for hotels at that price point. Often, I go to the gym after work and don't get back to my room until 8 PM or later. I just want food right away; I don't want to spend time driving around a strange city, trying to find a decent-looking place.

I also like that they generally have a wide range of TV channels :D

HGIs are also so consistent that the room layout is usually identical between hotels, right down to the poorly-designed bathroom door that opens into the main door :)

Anyway, they are definitely my favorite Hilton chain. I just wish there were more of them!

HGIs seem to be my HHonors choice these days. They are the most consistent of all the HH brands. You know what to expect before you arrive. Free high speed internet to get some work done or login to FT! :D

HGI's are my new 1st choice, I wish they they would build more of them.

Anyone have a link to HGI's opening in 2005/6?

HGI's are a wonderful place to stay. The staff are very friendly and accomodating. The rooms are spacious and well laid out. The microwave & fridge in everyroom is nice to have. They even sell frozen dinners if you want to microwave them rather than go out.
We always try to find an HGI rather than a Hampton Inn.

Here is a link to Hiltons (all brands) opening soon:

http://www.hiltondirect.com/destinations/newHotelOpenings.asp

Great link -- I see it is for all of 2005, thus some of the properties listed have already opened, such as the Hampton Inn in Laramie, WY, which I stayed at last month.

I just stayed at the HGI in North Fort Worth and was wondering. Do some HGI's do their Diamond award differently than others? I was given 4 full breakfast coupons when I checked in. I wasn't offered any water (it was about 1:45am so I didn't think to ask for it) and no $5.00 coupon for the pantry. Now when I stayed at the HGI in Bloomington, MN I was given coupons for the continental breakfast only, the water, and a $5 coupon for the pantry. Personally their hot breakfeast pretty much sucks there and I usually only eat the bacon from the hot breakfast as I'm usually in a bit of a hurry and their eggs are always pretty "old" tasting by the time I get down there to eat. I just didn't know if each HGI is changes their benefits or if I could ask for the $5 coupon instead of the included hot breakfast and only get the continental. I'm heading back Sunday as the hotel stay itself was great except for the leaking air conditioner that made my room even more humid than normal as it soaked my carpet :)

Lance

Although not important for most people, I look for hotels with good fitness rooms. My standards aren't too high, all I need is a decent treadmill. My only HGI experience was last week at the HGI in Scottsdale. The hotel is in a great neighborhood, but the fitness room was tiny, less than half the size of a guest room, and the equipment was antiquated. And, there was only a single treadmill, and it looked like it came from K-Mart. Is this typical or did I just stumble upon an unusual situation?

Alas, still no HGI's anywhere near commuting to Pittsburgh... :(

I guess that would be one item that needs improvement, HGI gyms are hit and miss. But that's pretty much standard for any hotel experience, including the demonic treadmill at the Jackson Hilton. Nice gym, great pool (9 feet deep), but watch out for the 2nd treadmill..it stops unexpectedly! :cool:

After reading all the opinions about HGIs, I decided to change my reservation on the 26th to the HGI Cleveland downtown. Anyone have any experiences with that one? How's the fitness center, breakfast, etc?

Patrick

The best fitness center I've seen at a HGI was in LAX.

The best fitness center I've seen at a HGI was in LAX.

I second that! On top of that it is open 24 hours!

All of the HGI's I have stayed in have been excellent.

I second that! On top of that it is open 24 hours!

Is that something new? I thought it closed at 11pm or midnight.

Is that something new? I thought it closed at 11pm or midnight.

When was the last time you were there? I stay at this property at least once a month. I think it was some time last year when the check-in agent told me they have added some new equipment and changed to 24 hours operation, but I have never been to the facility after 10PM so I can not confirm.

I know exactly what to expect whenever I book a Hilton Garden Inn: free parking,

Is free parking supposed to be part of the deal at HGI? I paid for parking at my last visit. This was an award night if it matters and it was one of the few HGIs that have been converted from something else.

Is free parking supposed to be part of the deal at HGI? I paid for parking at my last visit. This was an award night if it matters and it was one of the few HGIs that have been converted from something else.I do not know whether or not free parking is supposed to be “part of the deal” for Hilton Garden Inn properties, but I do know that I have never paid for parking at any of the many Hilton Garden Inn properties around the United States at which I have stayed.

HGI is my personal choice for consistent quality stays. Lets see if the consistancy remains in 5 years, but I think it will. 2 years ago we stayed at HGI San Mateo on a family vacation as it was convenient for travels around the peninsula. Unfortunately, someone chose the hotel to commit suicide, and seeing the coroner cart did inject sadness into our stay.

Physical layout, maintenance, etc: Consistent
...my experience has been the rooms and common entrance, corridors, eating areas are very consistent -all are clean, well kept, etc. Free high speed internet, free parking, breakfast, pantry from which to purchase, decent desk to work, etc. They all also consistently have a very uncomfortable chair at the desk that is in the room, but that is minor unless you need to sit there for three hours working. (An inconsistency - although maybe good - is I can advise the OP that the bathroom door in the one I am staying in now does not conflict with the entrance door - it opens into the bathroom, and conflicts with me trying to close it, as there is limited space to stand out of the way of the door swing - the door misses the toilet by less than 1".)

Attitude : Inconsistent
My one complaint is the attitude of the staff at the one I am staying at right now - but the room is great. Attitude varies greatly.

Amenities: Somewhat inconsistent
As far as amenities, this one also does not have the free cookies at check in - I'm guessing that has something to do with the staff attitude.

I've always gotten free parking, and some sort of breakfast. I was surprised the first time I was asked to pay the upcharge for a hot breakfast, as most do not do that. Seems petty and silly. If you do not like the eggs like the OP, ask them to make you a fresh omlette.

The free water varies- sometimes one, sometimes two, sometimes none. Same with the $5 coupon - do not always receive it, including this time. Also, this is the first time the room had no welcome snack or even a note.

The fitness centers meet my needs, and most have nice pools and "spas". It would be nice if they all had the "spa."

When was the last time you were there? I stay at this property at least once a month. I think it was some time last year when the check-in agent told me they have added some new equipment and changed to 24 hours operation, but I have never been to the facility after 10PM so I can not confirm.

I usually stay there twice a month, but it's always for just an overnight stay so I've never really used the fitness center. The last time I looked in on it(2004) it was only open to 11pm.

I do not know whether or not free parking is supposed to be “part of the deal” for Hilton Garden Inn properties, but I do know that I have never paid for parking at any of the many Hilton Garden Inn properties around the United States at which I have stayed.

I think that you do generally get free parking, but it's not a guarantee. Similar to Hamptons. I've stayed at Hamptons all over the country, and most have free parking, but I think I was charged a modest fee at Seattle Downtown and Dallas Downtown.

I think that you do generally get free parking, but it's not a guarantee. Similar to Hamptons. I've stayed at Hamptons all over the country, and most have free parking, but I think I was charged a modest fee at Seattle Downtown and Dallas Downtown.

Thanks. In this case, the charge was $12. Actually, the more I think about it, this property really doesn't have any parking at all. You are simply using a private parking garage about a block away.

I do not know whether or not free parking is supposed to be “part of the deal” for Hilton Garden Inn properties, but I do know that I have never paid for parking at any of the many Hilton Garden Inn properties around the United States at which I have stayed.

Always an exception to the rule :D the HGI Ybor City ( Tampa) charges I believe $6 per day for parking.

mike

I've spent most of my Hilton time in full service Hiltons or Hamptons. Tonight I'm in a Hilton Garden Inn.

My room is pretty large, I guess you'd call it a junior suite. Two tvs, couch, easy chair, microwave and fridge, large bed, bathroom very large (handicapped access). Apparently no free breakfast, but I g.oit a chit for free continental goodies in the morning, as well as a couple of chits for free water.

I don't know if I got a big room because I'm a Diamond (but there was no Diamond amenity) or if that's the standard here. I'm completely clueless about this member of the Hilton family.

Um, free breakfast is supposed to be a benfit for Diamonds.

I think you should get a pantry coupon for $5 too. Sometimes you have to ask for these. At least I did on my last trip. I think this might vary if you have the points option.

Hilton Garden Inns are halfway between Hamptons and full-line Hiltons. They tend to be newer, purpose-built properties with similiar footprints. They always have free internet access (supposedly 100% wifi by the end of 2006), a free business center with fax/printers, pool/spa/workout room, a 24-hour snacks and sundries store off Reception, room service and a liquor license. Most if not all have meeting/function facilities too and round-the-clock coffee and cookies in the lobby for anyone who wants.

The standard room is good-sized but not a suite; you got upgraded. Golds typically get free water bottles, a $5. chit to spend in the little store, and free continental breakfast; I don't know if Diamonds are meant to get more. You are right that unlike Hamptons, breakfast is not free at HGIs -- but it is much nicer than at Hamptons, and Golds and Diamonds get comped. The cooked breakfast is available for another $3 but I never eat it.

HGIs are probably the most consistent, best-value brand in the Hilton bund right now... Hampton buildings can be repurposed from other chains, and regular Hiltons can be down at the heel or overpriced. HGIs are newer and cheaper (and often price in the same ballpark as Hamptons).

I think you should get a pantry coupon for $5 too. Sometimes you have to ask for these. At least I did on my last trip. I think this might vary if you have the points option.

If the OP got a suite, then there would have been no pantry coupon, according to T&Cs:

Complimentary continental breakfast for you and one guest each day of the stay and upgraded room accommodations (subject to availability upon check-in). If room upgrade is not available, member will receive a $5.00 coupon** for use at the Pavillion Pantry® (excludes alchohol) during the stay. **Coupon cannot be redeemed for cash.

In the event that this was merely a handicap-accessible room, then the pantry coupon should have been included. And in any event, breakfast should have also been included.

Mike

If the OP got a suite, then there would have been no pantry coupon, according to T&Cs:



In the event that this was merely a handicap-accessible room, then the pantry coupon should have been included. And in any event, breakfast should have also been included.

Mike

That's correct. I always waive the upgrade & opt for the $5.00 coupon.

I find Hilton Garden Inn to be a great value because of I always get a nice size room, free internet, and use of the business center at no charge. It has become my Hotel of choice [when available] instead of Hampton Inn or Courtyard. I get annoyed when staying at a more expensive Marriott or Hilton and have to pay to use the internet. The business center has been very valuable to me when I need to print and copy before a meeting. Depending on the locale, the rate of the HGI can be equal or less than the rate of the Hampton Inn in the same vicinity.

Generally HGIs are pretty good. I have noticed that HGI at ABQ airport is very expensive (typically more so than the nearby Homewood Suites or Hilton). Also, the HGI at MCO ariport my be the worst I've stayed at. Grungy, bad staff, not enough parking ...

I agree with several posters that the $5 cupon etc is better than the upgraded room. The upgraded room often just has a jacuzzi, whihc I do not have time to use.

... the HGI at MCO airport my be the worst I've stayed at. Grungy, bad staff, not enough parking...Wow, really? I've never been to a grungy HGI, and in the last year I've stayed at HGIs in Dallas, Cleveland, Kansas City, LAX, Maine (2), the Chicago suburbs... mine have all been new, or new-ish, and very well run.

Wow, really? I've never been to a grungy HGI, and in the last year I've stayed at HGIs in Dallas, Cleveland, Kansas City, LAX, Maine (2), the Chicago suburbs... mine have all been new, or new-ish, and very well run.

I agree most are good. MCO is definitely the worst I have been at.

You folks actually say to the clerk: "Sorry, but please give me a coupon and the [inferior] room I booked"?